I think, therefore I have a sketchbook

Do you have a sketchbook? I do, and I love it. There's not much I could say with authority about the philosophy of art or the nature of creativity, but I can, with utter conviction, state the value of working in a sketchbook. For example, years of sketchbook doodling as a kid were probably the best education I could have received for a future career as an illustrator. After all, a sketchbook grants one the freedom to exercise the creative muscles, to draw, paint, collage, mess up, fail and start again. Sketchbooks also offer the possibility of community (I've made lifelong friends thanks to drawing in cafés over a few pints), not to mention a fascinating window into your own shadowy subconscious, swimming with personal symbols and amazing content just waiting to be born.

But sketchbooks aren't just for illustrators. They're for everyone. All it takes is a willingness to do instead of think about doing! So if you've ever wanted to keep a sketchbook but didn't know where to start, my upcoming class at the Nook studio, titled The Subconscious Sketchbook, might just be for you. Leave those excuses at home, and come join us for a four-part class starting February 14 where you will develop your own fantastic sketchbook! For more info or to sign up click here.

p.s – a few recent pages from my latest sketchbook...